scurf

American  

[skurf] / skɜrf /

noun

1. the scales or small shreds of epidermis that are continually exfoliated from the skin.

2. any scaly matter or incrustation on a surface.

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scurf British  

/ skɜːf /

noun

1. another name for dandruff

2. flaky or scaly matter adhering to or peeling off a surface

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Other Word Forms

• scurflike adjective
• scurfy adjective

Etymology

Origin of scurf

before 1000; Middle English, Old English < Old Norse skurfa scurf, crust

Example Sentences

As instances of this nature may be mentioned English potato scab, silver scurf, chestnut blight disease and citrus canker, specimens of all of which had been secured by correspondence or requests for mycological assistance.

From Scientific American • Jan. 26, 2023

Mr. Borle had dressed for the walk in unfussy attire — a thermal undershirt, gray jeans, scuffed boots, a scurf of razor burn — a far cry from Wonka’s plum-colored finery.

From New York Times • Oct. 5, 2016

A thin scurf trying to keep the liquid from spilling out, but doing a poor job of it.

From New York Times • Sep. 21, 2011

To scurf the rust, the House of Morgan brought in Lawyer Myron C. Taylor, who had made $20 million, while still a young man, by putting rickety textile firms back on their feet.

From Time Magazine Archive

There is also the very practical feature that cleanliness is an effective method of discouraging infection and disease, partly by the removal of scurf and partly by the greater healthfulness of the skin thereby induced.

From Rural Hygiene by Ogden, Henry N. (Henry Neely)